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Empire MAC approves minutes, hears concerns about library encampment and drainage; agencies report on safety and services
Summary
At its March 25 meeting, the Empire Municipal Advisory Council approved prior minutes, heard public concern about a homeless encampment by the library, and received agency reports on crime, traffic incidents, drainage on Church Street and available mental-health crisis services.
Vice President April Towe called the Empire Municipal Advisory Council to order at 6:01 p.m. March 25 at the Empire Public Library community room and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The council, which Secretary Hannah Holden reported was joined by President Kevin Oliver and member Rafael Rodriguez, approved the minutes from its Feb. 25 meeting after a motion by Vice President April Towe and a second from Secretary Hannah Holden.
During public comment, a community member urged the council and law enforcement to address a homeless encampment behind the library near the dumpsters. A representative of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office said the department would "take a look and address the issue," according to the council record. A different resident announced the Empire Car Show scheduled for April 18 at the elementary school from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Agency reports highlighted local public-safety and service issues. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office said its computer system is being transitioned and therefore provided no new report; a community member raised concerns about limited patrols near the elementary school and asked about the possibility of a contract for dedicated patrols in Empire. The California Highway Patrol reported two hit-and-run incidents, four property-damage crashes, one stolen vehicle and five calls related to "side show" activity.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis (22nd District) reported he had introduced 17 bills this session and that three—13AB2004, AB1728 and AB1572—13have passed their first committee. Stanislaus County officials announced a community clean-up day on March 28 at the Church of Christ on Church Street and McCoy Street.
Public Works reported that the City of Modesto is performing work on Church Street; residents reiterated concerns about a lack of drainage on that roadway. The Stanislaus County Mobile Crisis Response Team reminded the public that 24/7 crisis response is available for mental-health needs and provided the hotline number, 888-376-6246.
Local service updates included Empire Public Library's announcement of an April 2 "Dia or Day of the Kids" literacy event and continued story time programming, and Empire Elementary School's notice that spring break will run April 3—1313; school food distribution will pause on April 3 and resume April 17. Station 22 Fire Department reported 117 calls for service, 75 of which were medical, and seven vehicle accidents; dispatch changes were described as routing the closest unit rather than the closest station.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
